M03-616

June 20, 2011: One of the defense attorneys, Abdessatar Massoudi, at the trial in absentia of former Tunisian President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali and his wife. The defense team for former President Ben Ali requested a postponement of the trial in absentia of Tunisia’s former strongman, which began this morning in a Tunis court. Attorney Abdessatar Massoudi presented this request, intended to give the court-appointed attorneys time to prepare their defense, after the indictment was read. At the Tunis Court of First Instance, Criminal Division, the Tunisian judiciary began the trial of Ben Ali and his wife in their absence today; this hearing is the first of 93 cases brought against the ousted president, 35 of which fall under military jurisdiction. Today’s trial concerns the case of the Sidi Dherif Palace, where a large amount of foreign currency and valuable jewelry were seized. Ben Ali is also accused of weapons possession and drug possession, with the items seized at the Carthage Palace. He faces sentences ranging from 5 to 20 years in prison.

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